2008: Felix Jones over Chris Johnson – In '08, the Cowboys wanted a running back to complement Marion Barber's bruising style, so they used the 22nd overall pick on Arkansas' Felix Jones. But Johnson, who flew up draft boards after a blistering performance at the NFL Combine, went two picks later to Tennessee. In six years, Johnson has 7,965 career rushing yards and an NFL rushing title, and he has never failed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season. Jones had just 2,728 career yards in five years with the Cowboys, and has never broken the 1,000 yard barrier. He had 184 yards and no touchdowns this past season with the Steelers.

Cowboys beat writer Brandon George answered reader questions during a live chat Tuesday. Here are some highlights:

Looking back to what might have been, I remember the 49ers moving ahead in the draft to snag Jerry Rice away from the Cowboys while Landry and Tex Schramm fiddled. And, I remember the Boys passing on Randy Moss (thanks Chan Gailey - ever wonder why you are out of work) thus letting him slip through their hands. But, I also remember the trade with Seattle that allowed them to draft Tony Dorsett. So, what about 2013? Will Jerry listen to his scouts or will he concoct some trade scheme where he bids against himself and gets snookered?

Brandon George: The two final decision-makers in the Cowboys' draft room are Jerry Jones and coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys scouts believe the team has taken a step forward in everyone understanding their philosophy of drafting the best player available. Jason Garrett is still a young coach in the NFL, and still tends to lean somewhat to drafting to fill needs over taking the best player available. And then you have Jerry Jones, the wildcard and final decision-maker. He likes to make a splash and could always go after a higher-profile player in higher rounds of the draft instead of sticking with their picks.

In my opinion, the state of the Cowboys is caused by the miserable drafting over the past decade. Do you see any indications that the Cowboys are improving on the quality of their drafts?

Brandon George: As I said earlier, I think the Cowboys' scouts and personnel department is more on the same page now about drafting the best player available. But, you still have Garrett and Jerry as the final say-so and that doesn't always lead down the same road.

If both Warmack and Cooper are available at #18, do you think Dallas moves down 6 or less picks, and take the chance that one of them will be there? Assuming there is a trade partner.

Brandon George: No, I think the Cowboys need to stay put and select the best player available. They shouldn't try to get cute at this point.

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